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Staying Committed To A Cure For Arthritis

Did you know that more than 50 million Americans (one in five adults) and 300,000 children are affected by the chronic pain and disability of arthritis? In Hawaii, there are more than 236,000 adults and 1,200 children who suffer from one of the 120 different forms of arthritis such as gout, lupus and fibromyalgia.

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this disease, which must be taken as seriously as other chronic diseases because of its devastating consequences. We are leading the way to conquer the nation’s leading cause of disability through increased education, outreach, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services.

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We work with local physicians to provide free educational materials to patients.

Dr. Ken Arakawa, a rheumatologist at The Queen’s Medical Center, is one of many doctors supported by AF. “The Arthritis Foundation is fundamental in providing education for the thousands of people in Hawaii suffering from the crippling effects of arthritis. The future of arthritis care is indeed very bright and the Arthritis Foundation is an integral part of this exciting journey,” says Dr. Arakawa.

This year, the Arthritis Foundation is celebrating 50 years of service with a fundraising gala Sept. 21 at Hawaii State Art Museum.

“We are asking the community to renew their commitment to a cure and join us as we continue to improve lives through the leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis,” says Art Gladstone, chairman of the board and CEO of Straub Clinic & Hospital.

AF remains the single largest private nonprofit funder of arthritis research in the world, and funds raised from the “Commitment to a Cure” gala will go to specifically support arthritis research, our local Juvenile Arthritis program, our Public Health program that includes educational forums, certified tai chi, aquatics and land exercise classes on the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Lanai and Oahu, and our Worksite Wellness program.

There are many ways to get involved with the Arthritis Foundation. Making a monetary donation is one, but you also can help by volunteering, attending a fundraising event or simply sharing with your friends and family about the work of the Arthritis Foundation. You can learn more at arthritis.org/hawaii or by calling 596-2900. To donate or purchase tickets for the 50 Celebration, please go to afhawaii50.org.